For the following four days, I rarely spoke. I found no reason to speak to the others, and they themselves were reluctance to engage in a conversation with me. Even Alexander didn’t bother me with questions and I reveled in the solitude. The four days passed uneventfully, but on the fifth day, it was a day for talking. It was the twenty-fourth of Amarum, a day before the beginning of Cinis. Amarum was also over, and according to Caine, so were our travels in the Risteen. Today would be the day we would see a horizon not cluttered with trees, but one of grasses and fields. I was almost excited. Almost. “Listen!” Shabine exclaimed. “Birds!” The group fell quiet for a moment, listening to the revived sounds of the forest. Sure enough, a small …show more content…
I can travel faster alone,” I said. “There’s a quote about that: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Society was built on teamwork and unity, not a bunch of people hating each other.” “So? I don’t care about society. A lone wolf can do plenty of harm by itself,” I pointed out.” “And a pack of them can do even more. There’s a reason why cooperation within individuals is so common among animals. It’s useful. I doubt the hellhounds would have been any threat at all, if you were just facing off against one.” I shook my head. “Why not talk about the wire spider then? I didn’t see a pack of them, yet it was dangerous enough.” “You still can’t deny that a cluster of spiders would do more harm than a single one.” “If you’re lethal enough, having a dozen more versions of you won’t help you kill a victim.” “It’ll helps you survive.” “But it won’t help the others survive,” I said. “Don’t you think I’ve fallen in with others before? Newsflash, I’ve have, and it’s never ended well.” “Because of them?” he guessed. “Who else would kill dozens of innocents to just get to one …show more content…
Do you really think I’m going to travel to Artis on foot? I may be reckless, but I’m not insane,” I replied. “I’d say you’re a bit a both, but they aren’t always bad traits.” ~ The vampire was right. Less than an hour later, the end of the forest was visible. It was nothing more than the absence of trees, yet it brought so much joy. I simply wanted to be done with all this and on my merry way. A minute later, we were at the tree line, and after several more steps, we were out. There was a large field before us, a mostly lifeless one. The dark, damp soil was poorly concealed by thin brown stalks with shriveled leaves, long dead vegetation that was unable to survive the cold. A light covering of leaves seeped out a from the forest, the once bright colors faded and dull. The sky was overcast, the air cold, but the Risteen was behind us. “You can go play for a moment,” Alexander said to an overexcited Ekaterina. “Just don’t go too far. We’ll call you back soon.” She didn’t need to be told twice, and was off running in a second, a stumbling Viorel in tow. A moment later, we all jumped as Ekaterina shouted to the sky, “FREEDOM!” It was amazing how loud a little child could be. “Kieron,” Alexander said quietly. “You want to do it
“Ender looked at the others coldly. “You might be having some idea of ganging up on me …. But just remember what I do to people who try to hurt me.”
Accusations immediately stopped. The jails were cleared, and proper funerals were given to the 25 innocent victims. The large gray bird, content with how things turned out, was at peace. There was no doubt that for quite a while, the residents of the woods were depressed. But eventually, the forest worked its way back up to being as serene, beautiful, and close to Heaven as a bunch of trees could possibly
“Think about it. Do you have enemies? Can you think of anyone who might want to hurt you or your family?” Office Grayson
"A bunch of them were eaten. This is what you get for going outside the walls."
“Score!” Mason said. “Dude that’s what our quest was all about. They look just like the creature we saw in your room except they have large wings tucked tightly into their
“Good point. If the choice is life and material wealth with anonymity . . . or death. For most of us that would an easy choice.”
"Maybe you should be afraid, then, because if I had my way you wouldn't be alive for much longer."
“No Sir, I’m sure it's them wolfs again” he said worried, while the chief looked at me with hate.
“That was a dog. These will be people. Living, talking human beings.” She slows her pace, marching beside me. “Can you take another person’s life if yours is threatened or will you freeze?”
Strutting through the familiar, gate worn by time, I spread my arms, taking in the saccharine aroma of the fresh grass. The remaining glimmers of the sun glisten on every blade that peeks through the moist soil, composing a sea of sparkling beauty, only comparable to a poem. The meadow is breathtaking this evening, as the sun sets behind the trees in the distance, leaving a glow of pinks, peaches, ambers, and crimsons behind as if a bowl of fruit had exploded in the sky.
“How is that possible? We can’t feed on bigger animals or we risk getting caught by humans.” One of the elders pointed out.
"It would be more efficient to work together. Also, I don’t know what you’re implying. I’m awesome, in reality I have to suffer you."
The sunless sky covered the woods over the treetops which created a canopy over my head. The crimson and auburn foliage was a magnificent sight, as this was the season known as Fall. There was a gentle breeze, creating the single sound of rustling leaves. The leaves appeared as though they were dying to fall out of the tree and join their companions on the forest floor. Together with pine needles and other flora the leaves formed a thick springy carpet for me to walk upon.
"Yes, I'm sure." Was he smiling now? "There's no one but us for a good distance. You don't have to worry about anybody murdering your little friends here."
I shaded my eyes and ducked, dropping my cane in the commotion. I continued on without it, my curiosity guiding my footsteps. Soon, I reached the edge of the field and the scenery changed to grand oak trees that moaned in the wind. Dusk loomed overhead and bats began squeaking in my ear, but still, there was no sign of the mysterious feline that was haunting my thoughts. . The trail was narrowing; I was able to touch the trees on either side of me. I had no idea what lurked behind the solemn symbols of a history I knew nothing about.